User's Manual

28 ADL Vantage/ADL Vantage Pro/ADL Vantage 35
Tips and Techniques for Best
Performance
Antenna
Antenna placement is critical for good performance. Range and coverage is directly
proportional to the height of the transmitting and receiving antennas in addition to
antenna gain. Where possible, select a reference station location that takes advantage of
terrain to get the transmitting antenna as high as possible.
Always use the telescoping antenna mast and raise the antenna as high as is practical and
safe given terrain and wind conditions.
Do not use a gained antenna if doing so increases the radio’s Effective Isotropic Radiated
Power beyond the limit of your license.
Antennas are excellent conductors of electricity, so use extreme caution when operating
near power lines and other sources of electric current or during stormy weather.
Line loss
Line loss from connectors and cables between the radio and antenna decreases the
output power transmitted by the antenna, thereby decreasing the signal’s range. To
minimize line loss, please check the loss-per-length of cable to be used. For every 3 dB of
line loss, the ERP (Effective Radiated Power) decreases by half. For example, if you have a
4W radio and a line loss of 3 dB in your cable and antenna, the power effectively radiating
from the antenna is 2 W. Every 6 dB of loss reduces the radio’s effective range by 50%.
Power supplies
Maintain batteries in a fully charged state. They last longer if they are do not become
completely discharged. We recommend routinely connecting the battery to its charger
after every working day and for 24 hours every three months during period of non-use.
This ensures optimal performance and long battery life.
Equipment care
Routine equipment care prolongs the life and reliability of your radio. Radio
communication equipment is susceptible to damage from shock or environmental
extremes. Never operate the radio outside the operating specifications contained in
“Safety Information” on page 3.